Is Raw Sugar Better for Your Diet Than White Sugar?

Tarynne Mingione

About the Author:

Tarynne Mingione

Tarynne Mingione is a registered dietitian and registered yoga teacher. She earned a Bachelor of Science in nutrition at Bastyr University and completed Baylor College of Medicine Neonatal Nutrition Fellowship. Her experience also includes diabetes camp dietitian and wellness event health educator and teaches yoga at various locations.

Sugar on table and spoon
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Although problematic when consumed in excessive amounts, unrefined raw sugar is a better alternative to white sugar, since it retains minerals. USDA guidelines suggest limiting added sugars in any form so as not to displace nutrient-dense foods.

Types of Sugar

The many processing steps involved in refined sugar result in odorless, white sugar.
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Raw sugar includes unrefined cane juice or powder (Sucanat and Rapadura) and date sugar. White sugar can be disguised as refined or dried cane juice and refined cane sugar.

Nutritional Differences

Teaspoon for teaspoon, raw and white sugars are calorically comparable. The difference lies within the presence of and quantity of minerals.